Today's the day!

So I'm all packed and ready to go! Packing for three months is actually not quite as challenging as you would expect. Many friends have lamented over how difficult it would be to pack for an extended period of time, and they always ask me how I do it. So here's a quick run down of how I prepare to go abroad- I think my experience in Thailand really helped me to get a leg up (jockey pun, couldn't help myself) on this trip. I knew what not to pack (food, books, a million pairs of shoes, all my makeup ect.) and what to pack (shampoo, conditioner, body wash (stuff you won't want to spend money on once you get there, practical clothes and practical shoes)). I have a system that works pretty well. My clothes are fairly organized to begin with so I always start with "bottoms". So I go through my jeans and shorts and decide what goes and what doesn't. Next, I move on to "tops" and go through my closet and pick out a few dressier tops, athletic tops, and tops I can horse around in (if you know what I mean ;)). I always throw in a sundress or two because you never know what you might end up doing, plus nothing is more comfortable than a cute sundress (right guys?). Then of course my riding equipment, underwear, cosmetics, toiletries and shoes. Then you just gotta stuff it all into two fairly large suitcases! Easy! Well kinda... I always roll up all my clothes because I feel that it takes up less space and I can fit more in. However, its been argued that it actually takes up more space (you get into these types of arguments when you study abroad). Either way, its the method I believe works best. So that's how I pack in a nutshell.

Now its almost time to head to the airport! Due to the wonderful weather, we're giving ourselves plenty of time to make it to Chicago! But I am buzzing with excitement to leave. I can't wait for warmth, sunshine and most of all Thoroughbreds!!

I'll shoot out a quick post with a few pictures when I make it to Amsterdam! Let's get this adventure started!! Africa or bust!